"I only see steps forward and no steps backward," Monti then said in response to a question about Thursday comments by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on how his body intends to combat the eurozone crisis. The prime minister said he was uncertain as to whether Italy would use the so-called "anti-spread shield" to help reduce Italian bond yields on Thursday.
"I do not know whether the (Italian) government will ask to activate this instrument. It requires examining the methods. I am certain, however, that (the government) will continue to do in a timely manner what it is asked to do and that coincides with what Europe asks of Italy," Monti said.
"I have always said that all of Italy's economic policy has been set up in order to make any aid (on public spending) unnecessary, and it is not necessary," he added. Monti also said Italy and Spain agreed to do anything it takes to protect the integrity and stability of the eurozone Thursday. "Together with their European partners, Italy and Spain have decided to maintain the integrity and stability of the eurozone and will do everything necessary to protect it," Monti said, echoing a statement made by European Central Bank president Mario Draghi last week. (ANSAmed).









